It’s easy to worry obsessively over how much we have left to do. Let the worry grow and grow and flower into panic. Back in September, when we decided to shoot in February, it really sounded like enough time to leisurely make a movie. Hahahaha. “Leisurely” + “make a movie” = hahahahaha. The time between Thanksgiving and New Years passes so quickly it basically doesn’t even happen. CUT TO FLOWERING PANIC.
So I’m going to take a deep breath and think about the stuff that is coming together, things that remind me to be grateful. I want to fill all the loose spots in my jittery brain with reasons to feel calm and ready.
1 – Serena Hedison.
This woman is very largely responsible for the fact that any of this is happening. She’s a treasure. I treasure her.
2 – My family.
My parents. My aunt Anna Marie. My sister-in-law Megan (who is currently selling the finest letterpress calendar it it possible to buy, for a ridiculously low price). My parents-in-law. My cousin Stuart. My cousin Cathleen.
My mom offered to cook meals for crew. My dad-in-law offered legal services to form the LLC. I am buoyed and deeply moved by the ways my family supports this effort. I’m hearing a lot of “I’m so excited for you, how can I help?” from people who mean it, and this is a well I draw from when things seem literally impossible.
3 – Seed & Spark.
More on this soon, but I truly believe that this is the model everyone will be using. This is the future of independent filmmaking.
4 – Imani Coppola.
The song she wrote for the film is finished and it’s wonderful. Alexis and I have kept it on a loop for days. I know that Imani is a gifted songwriter and one of the most creative and interesting performers in the world, but this song still exceeded my expectations by miles and miles and miles. It’s called “Don’t Skip A Beat,” and it will be on every party playlist I make for the rest of my life.
The song will be a donation perk when we fundraise, and also plays during a sweet and pivotal scene in the film itself. I use a piece of it in the teaser. It is the anthem of this movie and of this project. Oh my god, it’s good. I can’t wait for everyone else to hear it. I feel like I’m hoarding something beautiful, but as of December 1st, it will be gloriously unleashed on the world.
WOW. We’re making a movie. I’m so fucking excited to make this movie.
-bodine